Camp Allegheny April 8^th 1862

 

            I have the opportunity dear wife of sending you some money by Mr Fox who returns this morning. He overtook us night before last just before dark. The men encamped in a field waiting for our tents. The wagon which had our big tent arrived but all the company wagons came in so late that the men did not pitch a single tent but slept on the grass around their camp fires. Yesterday we marched to this place which is strongly fortified. The rear guard of the rebels left here last Thursday in full retreat. They left their log huts standing and a quantity of forage undestroyed for which we were much obliged. We march this morning for Monterey where our advance guard have already arrived. It is now seven and we march at eight so that I have but a moment to write. We are all well & in good spirits at the prospect of getting down from the mountains. Yesterday it was like winter, with a terrible storm of snow & sleet. The ground was covered about four inches with snow which froze stiff & almost hard enough to bear a horse. In the night it rained & this morning the snow & sleet are still on the ground making marching difficult. I will write you from Monterey.

 

            I send you one thousand dollars ($1000.00) which is for yourself to use as you please in our affairs. Continue to write & endorse on the letter "To follow the regiment".

 

            Love to the children & all the family. Cant get at my trunk for anything so excuse paper &c. May God bless & protect you all dear wife & soon unite us in peace & happiness—

                                               

N. C. M^cLean

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